One Blessed Mommy

2010-11-29T14:43:00.000-08:00

I am back online after 2 yrs of no online here I am! And looking forward to blogging and sharing with my friends and family!

2010-11-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

2010-10-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

one sick mommy

2010-08-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

Okay here is what happened in a nut shell had a galbladder attact about 3 weeks ago and went to the dr they found stones so I was sent to a surgeon for a consult well he blew me off saying I needed to have my "female" problems addressed before he would even want to see me again. That was a Wednesday. Now please realise I have not been able to eat since the first attack so come Friday the pain was really low and I was so hungry I had lunch with my dad and the kids. It was only 2 pieces of garlic bread and 1/2 a sandwhich. I have never in all my life hurt so bad and been so sick it lasted all weekend I kept thinking this will pass anytime I had made an appointment with my Dr. THANK YOU GOD that when he saw me he knew right away things were serious. He sent me straight away to Evansville and Tuesday night I parted ways with my galbladder and it's stones (4 of them the size of shooting marbles). I was so infected it had almost turned into pancreatitis I was on iv antibiotics the entire time I was in and finally was let to come home Saturday.

2009-10-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

2009-10-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Still Around

2009-10-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone just a quick note wanting to let you know we have not fallen off the face of the earth. Life is getting better and I will have more time to share about that later.But here are some pictures.

Love Bekah One Blessed Mommy!

Catching up about Life and Carlow's Surgery

2009-02-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone I just wanted to leave a quick note we have survived the ice storms. We were in Lexington staying with friends (THANK YOU Tracye, Joe and Lexie!!!!!) Carlow's surgery went really well we won't get to see his hands until Feb. 24, 2009.
But the Dr. told us that his little finger that wouldn't bend is now bending and looks like the removal of the small polydactyly was all that was needed.
We are home and doing clean up in our back yard, it looks like a war zone.Thank you God for keeping our family safe during the storm and thank you for letting us be in Lexington where the storm was less sever. So I know that your waiting on pics and here are a few!
God BLess you all and Hug your family today
Bekah one Blessed Mommy

Vote your Values!

2008-10-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

Leaving tomorrow for Lexington

2008-10-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Tomorrow we are going to Lexington going to spend some time with Aunt Tracye and take our boy to Shriners. He has appointments for both his hands and feet. Please pray with us that we can get something to go between his toes to keep them from turning into themselves. I will post more pics and information after we get home probibly Wednesday. God Bless you all, Bekah one Blessed Mommy

Fallen Soldier

2008-10-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

Our whole County came out to show our respect and gratitude I have been talking to the girls about how our freedom isn't free that our soldiers are keeping us safe. I am so proud of the men and women who are serving our country. Brad served in the Army the girls referr to all our military as Heros.

Simplifying your life Mommy

2008-10-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

Okay I was eaves dropping as the girls were brushing their teeth, one night this week. We have been upset because we can never find the cap for our (Brad's and my) tooth paste. Every lid is missing and has been for the past 4-6 months it could have started earlier and we just dismissed it.
So the conversation went like this....
Cordie: WHERE IS THE LID FOR THE TOOTHPASTE!!!!!!! What did you do with it this time???
Katie: ........... "snickering"
C: Serious what did you do with the lid?
K:..... "more snickering" I am simplifying Mama's and Daddy's life.
C:What are you talking about!
K: It's one less thing they have to do now! "more snickers that turned into full laughter"

I truely am one Blessed Mommy Thank you God for my wonderful children. With one sweet daughter who wants to make my life easier.
Bekah

Please consider signing this petiition

2008-10-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/adoption-for-all.html

Families who have been waiting for referrals for years now are being made to resubmit for their INS/CIS approval. Again having to pay all the fees involved because their paper work expires. Please read and sign help families bring their children home.

Carlow's Gotcha Day

2008-10-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

One year ago we were up early and waiting to go to the civil center in Guanzhou. All of us were unsure what to expect. Cordie and Katie were pacing the hotel each kept saying how scared their baby brother might be this morning as his life was being rearranged. As for Brad and I we were worried about how he was going to adjust to his new family. Katie wanted to hug and kiss him and Cordie wanted to make him feel safe, what woderful big sisters he had waiting for him. Check out our pics from Gotcha Day and some more recent ones. God Bless you all, Bekah one blessed Mommy

Sick and don't feel good

2008-10-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well we all have a nasty cold and sore throat. It's never good when we are all sick including Mama. And Cordie gets really cranky (even more so when not feeling great) and she decided to take her own hair down tonight and when it didn't come out easy she kept pulling until the band snapped. And did I mention how the band was so tangled in her hair I thought I was going to have to cut her hair up to her shoulders?
Well with a lot of coaxing and some silk conditioning oil I got the band out after brushing her hair I found a chunk missing and knew I had to cut her hair about 2.5 inches. She was crying and sobbing the entire time. Katie came in and held her hand and said please don't cry I will make it fair Mama will cut my hair and it will be fair.
I thought I was going to cry. That was so thoughtful of Katie after all the hair cutting was done Cordie ran to the mirror with Katie and made sure they were the same LOL. Katie was smiling and hugged Cordie telling her that she loved her. Cordie held Katie and whispered in her ear. I don't know for sure but I think she was telling her how much she loved her too and thanking her for the love sacrifice she made for her sister.

Carlow has a Gotcha Day coming up I can not believe he has been home for one yr as of Oct. 8.
We are praying to be well by then and hoping to go to the Farm in Bremen with our Home Schooling Group.
One more thing I have a friend who is adopting a 9 yr old from Russia. Please read about her http://www.myarcticprincess.blogspot.com/
She has several fund raisers going I love the blog creations that her friend is doign to help her. Check it out.
Till Later,
Bekah One Blessed Mommy

I have a request

2008-09-17T21:35:00.001-07:00

There is a family in China right now and they need your urgent prayers! My heart is full of admiration for this family. I have never met them but feel connected the girls came in and caught me crying, they asked me why and I eplained how there was a little girl in China waiting to come home but she was sick and in the hospital. Both girls asked to pray for her and wanted to see her pictures. So I showed them the blog I was so amazed they laid thier tiny hands on the monitor and started praying for this beautiful little angel. I am in awe of what God has given us. They have taken her into thier heart and have been praying for her every morning and ask me to show them the new pictures and read to them about how she is doing. http://www.roomforatleastonemore.blogspot.com/

Library update

2008-09-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the library it was story time and craft time today. Girls had a blast and I was all ready for a fight. I have been stewing for a week. The girls listened to the stories very intently and they loved the wiggle games. Then they made apple critters! Carlow used peanut butter and his critter never got made but was devoured. Cordie and Katie had marshmellow cream and grape heads pretzle sticks for legs rasins for spots. they were so cute net time I will take pictures. Okay now we head down to check out and I'm steeling myself to face this and show my kids that I am their mother. So as we are checking out I started the conversation that last week I was asked to prove they were my daughters and the head librarian smiled and said don't worry that is not a problem sorry that you had to go through that. And that was the end of it, took the wind out of my sails. It was such a relief and the kids were all watching so they know that Mama bear was there to make sure they knew they were MY CHILDREN! :) Well God Bless everyone, Bekah one blessed mommy

Our walk around town

2008-09-07T23:16:00.000-07:00

Library Woes

2008-09-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

Okay I am venting here. I took the kids to the library today to get library cards for the girls. And the librarian wanted to see proof that they were my daughters! First question was are they yours?!?!?!?!?!?! What kind of question is that. The girls have cards but they want me to bring the papers in next visit. I don't know that I am comfortable with that. Also we get up stairs and sit down to have craft time now that we have missed story time because of the "adoption drama" And another woman asks are they sisters? Are they yours? I am thinking not nice things trying to answer question so they don't ask more. Yet they do.... Most days I love answering questions most days I love telling everyone how my precious children are from China and we lovingly traveled to bring them home.......today was not most days. I felt like I was on the defensive all day long. Iam still fumming has anyone else run into this? I have talked t other adoptive mom's and dad's they have not been asked to provide this information . Please leve comments and let me know if this is something you have experienced. Bekah one blessed mommy

Just a conversation with Cordie and Katie

2008-08-21T23:50:00.000-07:00

Girls: Mommy we want to sing Jesus Loves me.
Me: Okay ... Jesus Loves me
Girls: No not just sing it we want to sign it too!
Me: Okay (the sign for Jesus is touching the palms where the nails pierced Jesus and lifting them to the side as if crucified)
Girls: Mommy what are we touching our hands?
Me: Because we are touching where they put the nails.
Girls Mommy why did they hurt Jesus?
Me: Jesus took our place so we could live with him in Heaven, it is how we can ask for forgiveness and God uses the huge eraser.
Girls: Oh, but Mommy why would he allow his son to die for us.
Me: Because God loves us and Jesus Loves us and they wanted us to be clean with the huge eraser, so we can see them in Heaven.
Girls: Okay.

Who would have thought I would be having this talk with 5 yr olds??

Hugs and God Bless you,
Bekah one Blessed Mommy!

Life and Stuff

2008-08-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

Hi I can't believe that our 12 month post placement is coming up. Our little Carlow has almost been home one yr. He is such a live wire so loving and so full of life. In Church he loves to jump and try and run I have to keep him on a backpack leash just to keep him from helping Pastor David preach! He is just now realizing that his hands are differant and insists on counting fingers many many many times a day. I can't imagine life without him honestly can't remember life before him, just like the girls I know that Brad and I were married 15 yrs before Katie joined us but they are in a misty blurr.

Tuesday we are getting together with a Homeschool Group in Greenville, Cordie and Katie are really excited, Carlow just knows something is happening and it involves a park ....he is happy.

I know that this sounds so weird but I am sad that we aren't paper pregnant I know the time isn't right but we have been pregnant every yr. I know somewhere there are little souls that God has for us that will join us when the time is perfect. Well it's very late thanks for checking in on us.

God Bless you,

Bekah one Blessed Mommy

Hi Just checking in

2008-08-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

Morning everyone I have some great news the Harmon family are home safe and sound thank you for all your prayers! And we are doing good here too just a lazy summer we are sad we missed the FTIA reunion but know that next yr we will see our travel family and in the mean time we can keep up via email and blogging.

BIG PRAYERS for a very special Family

2008-07-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone I have become acquainted with a family who are going to bring two sons home at the same time! Yes you read that right! Please visit their blog lift them up in prayer! Anyone who has left over Yuan please consider sending it to them. Anyone who feels led please donate there are links on their blog. Please help bring these boys home! Please remember this family in your prayers and thoughts.
http://harmonboys.blogspot.com/

God Bless you all
Bekah

2008-07-05T22:34:00.000-07:00

Girls Store

2008-07-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well I have made up my mind to home school the kids. And to teach them about money I have made cards with prices so they can sell fruit and veggies (among other things) at their farmers market. Here are the cards I made.

Well it's official

2008-07-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

Our living room is a play center LOL and to prove it here are the photos.

Look at my fisher persons!!!

2008-06-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

We went to Jason and Paige's house on Sunday after church. It was a wonderful day the kids got to fish for the first time just look at what they caught!

Funny words we will miss

2008-06-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

Cordie has a few words she says wih a Jia Jia Flair here are a few.
Blanklet = blanket
Beep = beat
Tomorryo = tomorrow

Katie also repeats these silly isms but has a few that are hers she has shared with Cordie.
Ruddy bands = rubber bands
liddingroom = living room

Well it is late I know there are more and when I think of them I will add them. Night everyone

Little Bunny Poo Poo?!?!?!?!?!

2008-05-25T22:21:00.001-07:00

Katie and Cordie were in the tub tonight and Katie decided to make a new song and it goes something like this.

Fairy Fairy Fairy jumping through the forest

Scooping up the bunny bunny bunny

Don't eat the bubbles they cause tummy aches.

little bunny foo foo eating all the bubbles

Little Bunny Foo Foo has to go poo poo

Go figure LOL silly creatures my girls have such wonderful imaginations but they leave me scratching my head about the topic of their new song!

Thank you Andrea

2008-05-25T22:12:00.001-07:00

New Dr news!

2008-04-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have been very dissatisfied with Shriner's and the Ped. Orthopedic Dr's because I had kept asking what can be done for Carlow's feet and all they could offer was surgery. I love his little toes and I know that closing the cleft would only make his balance bad. What I am concerned about is the way he throws his left leg out when he walks, also throws his leg out when he squats down to play.They are going to cast his foot and make inserts for his shoes with the recommendation that we use high top shoes like walking shoes. Also massaging his feet moving all the joints and ligaments.Our goal is to change the shape of his foot less ball shaped and more foot shaped, straightening his toes and hoping for more more flexibility. If you feel your not getting the right answers keep looking Carlow has ectrodactyly and his pics are posted. The Dr we are seeing is a Ped. podiatrist foot and ankle specialist. I will post more when we learn more! I am so excited about this.
Bekah

New Family pictures Enjoy I know we did!!!!!

2008-04-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

Kites, fun at the park, Easter egg hunt, and Carlow's surgery!

2008-03-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

Well I know it's been a while so let me give a little update, Carlow had to have surgery, orchidopexy repair, also hernia or hydrocele repair and chordee repair. The surgery went well it was very stressful but I think that is normal with anyone having a child undergoing surgery of any type. We were called back to consult with the Dr. after the surgery and we were called back to early and had to sit for 40+ minutes in a small consult room.There was a miscommunication and when they called us they thought the Dr. was closing, turns out they weren't. But the longer we sat the more dark and foreboding thoughts started running through my head. I was pacing the room like a caged tiger by the time the Dr. finally came in to talk with us. Everything went well and we have to keep out little guy still and down for 4-6 weeks. And if any of you know him I know that you are laughing your head off, because he is sooooo active!

We had a wonderful visit with Aunt Tracye and Lexie! All I have heard is how much they miss Aunt Tracye and Lexie and when are we going to go back and visit. Love you Hun thank you for everything you have done for us!!!!!

Saturday the kids went on an Easter egg hunt with the Church it was so cold but it sure didn't stop the kids from hunting eggs!

Ye Ye went with us Friday to the park we flew kites and played on swings and slides. They had a wonderful time so did Ye Ye and I! Katie lost her kite in a tree she was very sad to leave it there. Cordie was being pulled around by her kite.

Carlow's first time in snow!!!!!

2008-03-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

Heads up this was taken just before the snowball hit me Oh Brad's in so much trouble!!!! hahaha

Carlow's First Snow, not so sure about the cold!!! Or the bright snow!

Cordie's Biggest Snowball!!

Katie's Snow Angel

Our classroom

2008-03-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

I wanted the kids to have a place that they could have class and feel like it was only for our school work. So I have cleaned out a small section in our kitchen and here it is. The pictures behind the desks are their hand prints they made while we were finger painting I lamented them. I love them all look at Carlow's little hands I love them!

Saturday we ran into the Scotts

2008-03-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

Xiana and Cordie are both from Hefie city Anhui Province CHina and were adopted 2 years ago March 13!!! Cordie warmed up and now we hear stories that she is making up with her bears to include Xiana. In our family I think this must be high praise indeed the girls have very good stories about thier bearsand how they traveled to China to bring them home. I love these pictures I think our girls are beautiful! Carlow and Katie both attached themselves to Hayli she is an awesome Da Jei Jei!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs to you all God is awesome and we were so blkessed to run into them by accident!
Love,
Bekah

Chinese New Year!

2008-02-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post some pics I think the kids looked awesome! Love you all, Bekah

18 Yrs together I just can't believe it.

2008-01-26T18:30:00.000-08:00

Honestly I still feel like that 20 yr old who eloped with her sweetheart. Okay yes I just gave my age away as well as the fact that we eloped I might as well finish the story for you all to have a good chuckle.

January 26Th 1990 Brad and I eloped , we walked down to the court house about 1 block from my parents home and got married, the witnesses were the staff of the Judge. I still have the rose the Secretary gave me.

We didn't tell anyone and kept it to ourselves figuring that we would go ahead with the formal wedding with all our family.

NOT!

On Valentines Day Brad had stayed with me I was living with my parents still and sharing the down stairs apt with my brother. Brad had called his parents and told them he was staying the night we then went through the motions of Brad leaving going and saying good night to my parents.

And Bright and early the next morning I heard someone at the front door, looking outside it was Brad's dad. Yes can you say sick to your tummy! My mom answered the door and here is Amos asking for his son. My mother was very confused and probably angry.

Mom came into my room, just as brad had jumped under the bed and his clothes were thrown under with him and in walked mom!

I told mom I would get something on and come talk to Amos. Brad jumped out from under the bed and int his clothes faster then anything I have ever seen in my entire life. We opened a side window that had been painted shut for more the 10 yrs. He slipped out and went in front of the house instead of behind so as I am going alone to face our parents I hear HEY there goes a boy that looks just like Brad! Did we mention his dad had someone in the car with him? No? Well it was a shock to us as well and then to my horror I hear HEY! there goes a car just like Brad's!

As I am trying to stumble through not explaining myself Brad comes to the back door and we get our marriage license, presenting it to two very shocked parents .

As my father was leaving for work I heard When I get home I want to see the marriage license and it better not have today's date on it!

Well that is our colorful wedding story hope that you all have a fun time reading it looking back yes I would have changed things I know that our actions hurt many people we loved. But I would never change marrying Brad we have had good times hard times times with and times without but we have always gone through it together.

God Bless you all night,

Bekah

New pics and little updates

2008-01-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

The kids love playing in the bouncey and I love taking their pics!

Katie got her ears pierced. And Mommy did it! She did so well I'm very proud!

You know you are an adoptive mother (or you should be!) if:

2008-01-24T00:16:00.000-08:00

1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has ever made you lose sleep.

2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.

3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.

4. The fact that if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child, there would be no orphans in the world is convicting to you.

5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.

6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about your adopted child's "real" parents.

7. You have ever been "pregnant" with your adoptive child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth (2 years!)

8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway knowing where God calls you He will provide.

9. You have ever taken a airplane ride half way around the world with a child you just met.

10. You believe God's heart is for adoption.

11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacy's you could ever leave on this earth.

12. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have them in your life.

13. You know what the word Dossier means and you can actually pronounce it!

14. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.

New pics, Family and Chucky Cheese!!!

2007-12-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

See my little star on the TV?

Chuck Cheese! the biggest rocking horse I have ever seen!!!! Kids loved it!

Hold still Di Di I love you and I;m going to kiss you!

Carlow picking his sisters up from pretend work!

Carlow with his Great Gram giving kisses!!!

This is my youngest daughter who if you haven't guessed from the picture she is my mischeivious one. She was pretenting to pout I stuck the camera down and clicked this pic.

My oldest daughter who makes me so very proud! She wants to be the little Mama and bosses everyone. She is such a wonderful helper and can be oh so serious, and did I mention she is my Drama Queen!!!

Finger Painting

2007-12-05T00:40:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone I was going to write about our experience with finger painting but instead I'm going to let these pics tell the story for me. Love, Bekah

First Chirstmas Tree

2007-11-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

Update on Carlow's medical and Life in general!

2007-11-27T09:13:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone, Okay this might just end up one very long paragraph because it's not letting me separate and use the enter key. Okay so Carlow first we have been to the Geneticist Dr. Bay in Lexington she is very sweet and listened and asked questions. Carlow has ectrodactyly with very mild ectrodermal dysplaysia symptoms (peg tooth and thin hair growth). We are just very pleased to know what we are dealing with! Carlow is the sweetest little boy with a smile that will melt your heart. He is also most likely going to be our sprinter when he gets older. He is trying to mimic our sounds now which is so funny he has a very high pitch voice still so baby like. We will try and capture it on video and embed it so you can hear it as well. Shriners has taken a wait and see attitude with his feet as well and I'm not at all comfortable with that. I want him to not have foot pain when he is older and if that means doing something now I would like to be doing something NOW. So we will probably try and get a second opinion early next year. Well now let me update you on our Cordie she is really trying to be the older sister and she wants to be little Mama which doesn't work for me lol. So we are working on changing that to Mama's helper instead of little miss boss a lot. It works some of the time hoping, with work it will be more effective.She is hyper sensitive especially if your correcting her. She has also just grown by leaps and bounds she is wearing most 5T things I still have to either find slims, adjustable waists or just take them up by hand for them to fit her right. Her hair is getting so long and I can't believe that she will have been ours for 2 yrs this coming March. Seems like she has been ours since the beginning of time. I have started holding the girls and singing to them before bed, just silly songs that I have made up in my head now they want them every night I guess I'm going to have to write the words down because I can't remember them the same and the "remind me" how it's supposed to go. Cordie has just surprised me so much lately we were putting our tree up for Christmas and I asked the girls to tell me what Christmas...Here's their version of Jesus's life....Mary and Joseph had baby Jesus he is God's son and he had to sleep in the hay because they didn't have room any where else. And then Jesus grew up and he died for our skins but he's not dead he rose again and he lives in our hearts. Katie well let me tel you about our little ham and cheese she went RUNNING through the house yesterday and slammed into the bedroom door I thought I was going to have to make a trip to the emergency room she hit right above her left eye it's still swollen ad if we hadn't had ice on it immediately she wouldn't have been able to open it at all. She is doing much better and is enjoying telling anyone who will listen about her boo boo. Well I'm going to close this now I have been working on this on and off all day as the kids permit. Love and God Bless you all, Bekah

3 AM no sleep + 3 Kids + Dr. Appointments + 3 hour Drive home =????

2007-11-20T05:33:00.000-08:00

That should = 9 hours worth of pampering? 9 hours of someone rubbing my feet and brushing my hair? 9 hours of peace and quiet?
LOL but no that just equals LIFE and theres no time for any of that! OH but I can wish!
I don't know what it is but every time we visit Tracye we lose something last time we lost a BIG BAG of our bows and bands we use to put our hair up, this time I was really upset getting the girls dressed the girls Dora shoes each had one missing from the same foot. Thankfully we found the shoes after much searching.
We have a long day ahead of us and I will post about it soon. Please pray that I make it through the day with so little sleep I'm already tired LOL and that doesn't bode well for the day. Bekah

Shriners and Carlow's little feet

2007-11-18T21:47:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone we have another appointment at Shriners on Tuesday for Carlow's feet I am in prayer that God leads the Dr.s to make the best choices for him. We are a little concerned about how he walks, don't get me wrong you will never find a child who can move faster! When I prayed for my little Lightening Bug what was I thinking! LOL
But seriously he is walking on the side of his left foot it is turning out and I don't want to hurt him but putting shoes on feels like I'm having to turn his foot to get his shoe on. We are in prayer that this is something that the Dr.s can fix and that when he grows it will not slow him down one bit.
On a much lighter note! We are yet again going to visit with Tracye!! YEAH!!! And even higher note my sister in love is going with me!!!!!! So Wan Chun will get to meet Tracye and via versa!
On yet another note I'm not looking forward to this drive and for the life of me I can't find Carlow's immunization book AHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Life with 3 kids has been challenging and with Brad starting a new job and being at work instead of around the house the kids are having to adjust to that it's not been easy. Lets start with little miss Cordie cutting the back of her hair (no I don't have pics) I was trimming their hair and whoaaaa what's this? A section of her hair is layered in the back! Then I notice that beside her bangs is some shorter pieces also.... her loving sister Katie helped in this hair cut!
Okay and shall we begin the list of things they are attmpting to get away with lol Cordie wants to be the little Mama and boss everyone else around Katie has taken the role of I'm sorry were you talking to me? and Carlow well he feels that his smile should just melt your heart and make you bend to his will (yes it's hard to resist!) Over all life is busy but wonderful and I wouldn't change one thing except to give me more of the horrible P (patience) word and I'm not asking Lord I promise! Some days I feel like I'm rushing to get through things instead of enjoying them! But honestly it's hard to get out the door with two girls who as your going out the door realise they have to go and one sometimes doesn't make it! And about that time Carlow figures it's bathroom time okay and mommy gets to change his stinky diaper! LOL I know these days will be gone before I know it because Katie and Cordie have just grown up so fast. They have matured and have become beautiful little girls instead of my babies!
Okay closing this now cause I'm getting weepy and all mushy no one wants to hear all this stuff LOL
Hugs nad God Bless you all,
Bekah

Doctor Visits and Family

2007-11-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
Just a quick note to fill you in we are in Lexington. We have had a slue of things going on. We love Dr. Taylor, God Bless her and Yes we will be driving all the way here to bring the kids. Thankfully we can visit with Tracye!
Tomorrow is our Shriners visit adn I will write more about that later. Bit today they did a renal ultrasound and things look normal Praise God!
They also did X-Rays and his spine looks normal YEAH!!!!!!!! We are tired and very happy. Also Carlow will be dedicated on Sunday! and after we are having a Welcome to the Family Party!
We have had the best visit with Tracye and Lexie we miss them so much and wish we all lived closer.
Well I have to go make my 3 kiddos clean up toys before bedtime!
Hugs and God Bless you all,
Bekah

2007-11-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

2007-10-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

Home is where your heart is.

2007-10-21T02:53:00.000-07:00

Well we are home safe and sound. It was a longggggggggggggggggggg flight and going through Detroit well lets just put it this way I felt like cattle and it didn't matter that we had 3 small children one of which had a tummy ache and had to potty. We were held up in customs they made us go through then sent us to another line for Carlow. And the man was sooooooo slow he seemed not to know what he was doing, they finally called a second guy and thankfully he had more personality. This process took us 45 minutes to an hour we only had 2 hours to rush this and get to our gate.
After getting through there... I jumped into line with 3 kids and 2 strollers while Brad gathered our 6 bags. Okay right about now is where I think And a partridge in a pear tree would fit nicely
I have to tell you that after running through the Detriot airport I don't wish to ever enter through there again.
Okay now let me share that our trip was amazing I want to thank God first and foremost for allowing us to be the parents to this special little boy. And I want to thank our FTIA family and our families for suporting us through this adoption.
Our trip seemed more like a vacation it was so much fun thanks to Helen it was such a pleasure to see her when we were waiting for Judy in the airport in Guangzhou. We knew that we would have an okay time with Judy only because we had set it in our hearts this trip to make the most of things. But then Helen showed up and our hearts became light. Helen was there for the births of Katie and Cordie into our family. So her being with us for Carlow was just perfect and as things should be. It was our true pleasure because to us Helen is family and we were honored to meet her Family!
Helen please drop me a comment I have lost the paper with your email addy and name I really want to email you privately we are truely indebted to you and your family and thank yous just are not enough!
Well I'm going to go and maybe get to sleep another 2 hours the girls woke HUNGRY around 2 Am and now it's 5:22 AM and I have to be up about 7:30.
LOL after reading that it looks like a math problem and the trains left the stations at........
Night/morning to you all.
Bekah

Squeaky Shoes!

2007-10-17T03:25:00.000-07:00

2007-10-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

2007-10-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

from 10-13

2007-10-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

Besides a beautiful son and two beautiful daughters!Carlow said Mama okay it was after he said Baba but he is coming along those have been the only words we have understood and I'm so thrilled. He likes to color with his sisters andhe copies what ever they do. Just hoguth I'd share my first Mama with you all. I am so happy!! Bekah

From Bekah :)

2007-10-12T05:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the orphanage and it was about a 2 hour drive in one direction. The kids did a wonderful job on the drive everyone but Mommy got a nap. The orphanage Director greeted us and gave us a tour we were able to see the baby rooms but no pictures were allowed. All I could do was touch each tiny bed and tell the little occupant that their mommies were coming! There were two little babies about 1.5 yrs old maybe with albinism a boy and a girl who will be coming to waiting children lists very soon their papers were just sent to the CCAA. Please if your looking for your son or daughter watch the lists. There are many babies that are waiting for mommies and daddies, our prayers are they come home soon .We have a picture of Carlow Qi Zhi's empty crib, it was a tense moment when they put him in his crib for a pic which was never taken because he flipped out. We also got a picture with all the nannies and the director. We are very grateful to them all for loving our Qi Zhi and taking such good care of him while we waited for him. Our Guide and friend Helen Aiye, Helen to the girls stopped so we could have lunch in Dongguan, lunch was good but the watermelon and apple juices were awesome! Cordie and Katie had some really good chicken soup and they are such wonderful world travelers they ate chicken feet and were sad there was only one. They shared it and asked for more. The soups are so much better the flavor is clean not greasy like some soups we have had at home. We were also the center of everyones attention in the whole restaurant. The girls handled the attention well. This morning we visited the Buddhist Temple and learned about a 1400 yr old Temple and how fire had damaged it but it was repaired the pagoda temple in the center only looks like it has 9 stories but in actuality it is 17 stories there are floors between each level. they were having a ceremony this morning breakfast for the ancestors. The girls were very respectful and didn't touch the beautiful flowers that were left for ancestors. The Buddhist Priest blessed our family, we were told many times how we have good hearts to take orphans home. It was my pleasure to let them know how empty my heart was until the joy of my children filled it.We then went shopping and we got some movies and some clothes for the girls. Finding clothes for Carlow Qi Zhi is hard here. You will find most boys dressed like girls. Oh that is something I had not thought of most boys are dressed like girls! So that the evil spirits won't harm the little boys. After their naming ceremony on their first birthday they will dress them differently. Anyway that is about all. Carlow Qi Zhi is bonding well he is a stinker and loves his Jie Jie da. He listens most of the time he is small but eats great. He is healthy and very active. I am going to have to get bottles for home now and a crib. LOL. Miss you all!!

2007-10-11T14:45:00.001-07:00

ok,, so how little is he??? LOL ok,, these sinks are small!!!!!!!!!!!

visit to the orphanage

2007-10-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

2007-10-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

post from Bekah lastnight

2007-10-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

OKay I am alone the whole famiy is sleeping and I will be too soon
enough. I would take a soaking bath but any of you who have been to
China soaking in brownish water that smells is not as appealing as you
would think! HAHA
I have to admit I was not prepared as I was hoping I would be I
really had no idea that Carlow would be so tiny and in diapers and on
a bottle. But let me tell you he can hold his own with his sisters and
anyone else he is the sweetest little thing with the most winning
smiles!
He has the sweetest giggles, he is not fussy and he blends right in
he goes to us both and will hold hands with the girls.He is not almost
3 there just isn't anyway he has to be 18 months to 2 yrs.
Anyway Life is awesome adn our days start at about 3-4 AM and we get
to bed around ( PM
I love you all thank you for your prayers!
Bekah
with the three best kiddos! and one pretty great hubby LOL

new pic's!

2007-10-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hi All! I missed Bekah this morning so I'll try to post later on if I get a chance to chat with her. Tomorrow is the orphanage visit. :) I know she is excited about that! I can't wait to hear how the girls reacted to the place, sights and sounds.
Hugs to you all!!!

Updates and Pic's!!!

2007-10-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Gang! Just talked to Bekah, everything is going well. Carlow is adjusting wonderfully to his new family. And Bekah and Brad are adjusting to having a "baby" again. He is still in diapers, and on a bottle. She said he just doesn't get a sippy up or a straw yet. LOL Looks like the Thomas toddler bed is coming down and a crib is going up! I'm sure its going to be hard to switch gears from expecting a bouncing toddler to him being more like a baby. ( more like 18 months) But he has WONDERFUL parents who will nurture him and help him grow and be anything he wants to be. And lets not forget 2 cute sisters who he will have wrapped around his fingers in no time! Continue to say prayers. I know they miss being home and miss talking to everyone. Yesterday was adoption day! They went back to the civil affairs building and signed all the paperwork to make Carlow their child. Today (well tomorrow for them) will be visa and medical exam. Here are a few new pic's. :)
~Tracye~

2007-10-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

Just got this from Bekah, she says that he is quick and smiles like crazy! And EATS EATS EATS!!! I love it!!!!!!! And that he is VERY TINY! More like a 1 year old.

CARLOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-08T03:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I haven't heard from Bekah yet, but did get a peak at drop shots and of the newest member of the Vincent Family!!! What a handsome little man Carlow is!!! WOOO HOOO!!! Here is a few pic's of Carlow's Gotcha Day!!!!!

just a few pics while we wait for word

2007-10-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Gang! Talked to Bekah this afternoon,and she said that they would be getting Carlow at 2pm China time (2am EST) So just a few pic's while we wait. :) Check out more on http://www.dropshots.com/katie_cordie_carlow
~Tracye~

If I grow up will you still be my Moma?

2007-10-07T05:09:00.000-07:00

Okay I'll give you a hint who asked that question...she is blonde.
I was talking about missing my mom and dad. So Cordie said I don't
want to grow up, I asked her why and she said I don't want to miss
you. I told her that it was okay she could grow up then she pops out
with but I don't want to grow up cause I want you to be my Mama. If I
grow up will you still be my Mama.
I told her that it's my job to make sure she grows up to be a good
woman a strong Lady and that I am always her Mama forever.
Just thought I would share other then that we are great girls are
enjoying being at the Hotel are we are all excited about tomorrow.
Bekah

side note from Tracye

2007-10-07T04:59:00.000-07:00

Hi gang! Just posting a little note to let you know that Bekah is having problems getting on bloger, and she asked me to post for her till she can get on. So please bear with me, I'm going to try to keep everyone updated. Keep them in your prayers. I know we are all so excited to see Carlow and hear how he is adjusting to a NEW Mommy and Daddy and 2 Sisters!!!
Hugs to all!!
Tracye

Post from Bekah

2007-10-07T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone I am having a hard time getting online with my laptop so
I am using the puter they provided in our room
Well it's still hot here nd all Cordie has to say about China is
that it's HOT she is HOT!
I miss everyone and Can't believe that tomorrow we will be a family
of 5!
The girls have loved being the center of attention and have been
the best behaved children I could have ever asked for. There have
been so many pics taken with cell phones I guess they didn't think I
would notice and I have surprised a few with the Chinese I know
(thank you so much sweet Sister!)
It is so humid here I can't get my hair dry and as soon as it's dry
I sweat and it's wet again!
Girls are looking forward to going swimming not sure when that will
happen but swimming sounds awesome just to cool down!
Girls are napping and so is Brad so I am heading that way too!
Helen is our Guide/Coordinator this time she has helped with both
Katie and Cordie's adoptions into our family that it is just fitting
that she is also there to help with Carlows!
Hugs to you all And know that we are grateful for all your
prayers!!!
Bekah

here safe and sound

2007-10-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone just a quick update the flights were good no one got sick (yeah Katie) We had some of the best kids anyone would ever want to see traveling. Hellen is our Coordinator and we are so excited!
She helped us both times with our girls it feels so fitting that she helps us deliver Carlow too into our family!
If I haven't mentioned it the Victory is awesome the room is spacious and the amenities are awesome!
I miss my family home!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe we get Carlow tomorrow!
Well it's breakfast time I will log on later and post more and some pics of our travels.
Love you all Bekah sitting in Guangzhou China!

On our way

2007-10-05T02:12:00.001-07:00

Yes just a quick post to ask for prayer and let you know we are getting ready to head out the door.
Love you all Bekah

Update on MIA wallet and BTW did I mention we leave FRIDAY?!?!?!?!?!?!

2007-10-03T18:06:00.000-07:00

Wow a quiet moment, I know these will be few...ummm okay fewer and far between. LOL
But That is the best part listening to them play and pretend is amazing one day they are on a pretend plan going to get their bears baby brother in China the next they are Doctor Cordie and Doctor Katie. Oh and that first scenario sounds familiar doesn't it.
Okay my missing wallet has made it's appearance and is once again here but of no use because everything was replaced. Funny how it shows up NOW.
Oh and did I mention that tomorrow is our last full day here and Thursday night we have a short sleep and it's off to Evansville.
Thank you so much Paul and Wan Chun for taking us to the airport and seeing us off. It means so very much to me/us. Lonna is coming to hug us and see us off. I can't believe the time is so at hand. I have gone over everything and repacked till I just can't any more. I am praying that we aren't over weight on luggage. Oh well what ever happens.
Monday the 8th of Oct. is our Gotcha day that would be Sunday night for you here.
Wow can you believe I really can't think what to type. Cordie is having issues could be related to her getting shots at her 4 yr check up. She could also be having issues with traveling back to China. What ever it is we will hug her through it. Katie well she is just excited that she has seaweed packed in her back pack.
LOL okay I'm heading to bed....yeah right hehehe but I will try!
Night everyone thank you for listening to the rants of a Mommy in labor.

Wow 5 whole days and one early early morning

2007-09-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

And then we start heavy labor for our son Carlow Guan Qi Zhi. I guess this is how a mother who schedules a C-section feels knowing the exact date and time your child will be born to your family. Okay I am trying not to cry but the flood gates are open.
I also wanted to explain the YouTube on the top of our page Saturday Katie was running through the house singing. And I was catching bits and pieces it took me a while to realise my daughters are running through the house praising god jumping with joy and raising their little hands worshiping God. So that in turn made me humble in realising how I have to start praising God more lifting up my heart and children to God. Thank you God for such wonderful children that you have allowed us to raise to love and serve you!
I am so excited to watch our children grow and learn to love God more and more.What an amazing blessing God has allowed us to partake in!

One week

2007-09-26T23:36:00.000-07:00

Okay everyone keeps asking are you packed YET?
Well every time I try I get help... as in Mommy we want to pack our panties for China! Why don't they ask to pack dresses, shorts or tops? No my girls ask to pack panties. I still don't know if I have everything packed right, I have split our clothes between two suit cases just in case one bag is late.
I feel like my brain is mush today like completing a thought or sentence is just difficult. Listening today was hard because that meant I had to stop thinking about what is or is not in the suit cases, carry on or diaper bag and actually listen to someone else.I am hoping that I don't forget anything important.
In one week we will all be on a flight heading to China, yes it's going to be long and I can't sleep the entire trip like I did the first time. As a matter of fact sleep is something I catch in cat type naps, at home as well as traveling on a plane. Packing snacks goodness knows my girls can't live with out jelly straws (something we found at the Chinese grocery) and Seaweed (same as afore mentioned store) They would also like cheesy anything and Katie wants peanut crackers that she can lick the peanut butter from and give daddy the empty cracker with a HUGE smile. Did you remember that she is our prankster?
Cordie will be the one who eats what ever treat up so fast it will make your head spin and then all your going to hear is how unfair it is that Katie still has some.
LOL well hugs and love to you all I am going to go game and maybe sleep...perchance to dream..... of my 3 kiddos playing together, and you all know what the reality will be. Some nice playing and then he has my, she took that from me, WAAAAA, then the mommy gets to kick in. Play fair, don't hit, do not bite, Did your sister/brother have it first? Who left the crayons out so the dog could eat them? Freeze here and I want to share that I am now renaming the dog, to all who hear this she is Rainbow Poop because of the afore mentioned crayon eating.
Well now I'm heading to check out other blogs and play pogo.
Night all

2007-09-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

Anyway, we always hear of the "surprise" or "oops" pregnancies.
Imagine an "oops, I guess we're adopting again!" Here's how it would go:

Honey, sit down. I have some news for you.
What is it?

Well, I don't know how to say this, so I'll just come out with it. I went to the mailbox today and... well, we got a 171-H.
A what?!? A 171-H? As in, we're going to have a(nother) baby?!?

It looks that way.
But how? We've been so careful! I put away all the blank I-600A forms. Didn't you hide our homestudy update?

Of course I did, but don't forget, there was that one night..
What night? (pauses) Ohhh, that night, But it was only once. We were just messing around. I didn't print clearly. I didn't even use ink! (pauses again) But it was kind of fun. (giggles).
It was, wasn't it?

I'll never forget how cute you looked getting your fingerprints.
So now we've got our 171-H, eh? But that doesn't always mean we'll adopt, does it? I mean, shouldn't you see the agency or something, make sure everything's okay?

I already did.
And?

I'm five documents along.
Five documents! And they're all okay... notarized, certified and authenticated correctly?

Just great. There was one small scare when the agency couldn't see the Notary's middle initial but it showed up just fine under the magnifying glass. Thankfully.
And you, honey? Are you feeling okay?

I'm feeling fine. As long as I know you're happy about this.
Happy? I'm thrilled! It's always a shock at first when something like this happens, but of course I'm happy.

Author Unknown

Fun Sunday

2007-09-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

My Little Stars

2007-09-22T22:39:00.000-07:00

Best thing in the WORLD

2007-09-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

2007-09-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

, Two weeks, 14 Days, 320 hours,or 19,200 minutes But who is counting???

2007-09-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

What is time really?

Something that flies by while you miss the simple things you should be enjoying.
Both your friend and your enemy.
Blink and it's gone.
Time seems to fly by only after you have children in your life.
Do not allow time you missed with your special people to be your biggest regret when your "older"
Do take take time to listen to your child's stories, and listen close because there really might be a moral to the story.
Don't be afraid to act like a kid sometimes it makes life much more fun.
Time is not a prison sentence unless you make it one.
Learn from life the first time so you don't have to continue repeating painful segments.
Always, Always Love God, your partner and your Children to the fullest life and time can not be rewound like a DVR it's normally fast forward mode only.

So that's my philosophical side tonight take it with a grain of salt and know that right now I still have to finish packing (no really I have to pack or um repack )

I really don't feel like we are traveling in 2 weeks, it still feels so far away, like some unobtainable dream. Someday I will only remember how fast time flew by an dhow much joy we had waiting to share our lives with Carlow. Some day I won't remember the labor pains just the beautiful child in my arms possibly with his sisters mischievous personality. I am laying bets on the mischievous part LOL.

Well I am going to close this before I completely lose the train of thought for this post.

God Bless

Conversation with Katie tonight

2007-09-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

Okay what you have to remember about my little Katie-bug is that she is an antagonist and a huge tease.
And Uncle Steve if you are reading this I hope that you can get a HUGE laugh from it. God Help us when the two of you are together!!!!!
I have started telling Katie that her name Gan Bo Rou must translate to Paul Steven Harlow!
Because she is the biggest tease I have met she will bait her sister into a frenzy and laugh till she falls in the floor. She will tell her sister I'm not talking to you just because it drives her nuts!
Katie tonight decided that she was not going to take orders from her sister Da Jie Jie(Big older sister) or not! And she said You not my boss I'n (no spelling errors Katieism) not listening to you. You boss your bear she might listen to you but I'n NOT. So Cordie whined that she was the Da Jie Jie and Katie had to listen to her. Okay stop right here and realise what I did, until Cordie started the whine it was simply Katie not wanting to be bossed now she has her foot in the door with ....... the possibility of antagonising her sister. Will she pass it up? Will she be good and let this opportunity slip by so her sister won't cry???
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
It was on and it went like this.....
K: You can't boss me I won't let you!
C: But I'm your big sister your Da Jie Jie I am your boss.
K: nope your not my boss your just my sister not my mother. (said with a glint in her eye and a toss of her head)
C:I want to boss you (little more whine inserted here)
K: (hahaha) nope your not the boss of me your never gonna boss me.

Okay this went on for a while I thought maybe they could iron it out I was listening in case someone got hit (which Cordie tends to do when she is frustrated)
So I stepped in and settled this one only to hear Katie under her breath mumble not my boss... with a huge smile on her sweet little face.

Katie has been our family tease for a long while now. My mom bought Chinese yo yo's the paper ones that you flick and it extends and then retracts.
We were at my parents house and Katie decided it was a magic wand and turned her ye Ye(Chinese for Grandfather) into a fish. Cordie would turn him back into a Ye Ye and Katie would zap him again turning him into something different all the time laughing so hard she was crying!
It drives Cordie nuts when Katie tells her that she is being a Paul Steven Harlow and she will cry and whine (both of which were Katie's goals) and says I am not! You are. then this goes back and forth forever I have hoped they would get tired of yelling at one another but sadly they have not. But Katie has achieved her primary goal which is to antagonise and irritate her sister and Cordie has not grasped the concept that she can control this by simply ignoring her sister!
So Uncle Steve look out there is another Tease in the family!

Conversation with Cordie tonight.

2007-09-16T19:53:00.001-07:00

Okay I have been trying to put this into words to express it with everyone, because Cordie just amazes me every day (Katie too and I will share her stories next)
Mama: Cordie what is albinism?
Cordie: I have less pigment.
Mama: What does that mean?
Cordie: I have blonde hair and need sunblock.
Wow I am so impressed she can articulate why she has blonde hair and comes from China!
And our next snippet went like this......
M: Hey Cordie are you Chinese?
C: Yes!
M: Is Katie?
C: Yes!
M: What about Mama?
C: Yes
M: Daddy?
C: NO, not at all
M: What about Jo Jo? (spelling might be wrong but it's Chinese for mothers Brother)
C: A little
M: Jo Ma? (mothers brothers wife)
C: Yes!

Okay now she went through the list of friends and family and distinguished them all as either Chinese, Mostly Chinese, Some Chinese, Or none at all.
Evidently I'm Chinese because I am trying to learn Chinese and I will speak Chinese to the girls, that in her mind along with my eyes and dark hair qualify me to be Chinese. Oh I love these conversations!

Nothing and Everything

2007-09-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

The title Nothing and Everything is how I have been feeling like nothing until God pulls strings and lets you know that you are a child of the most High.
As I sit here and type this I am struck by God's love. I am happy to announce that our tickets are purchased and we leave Oct. 5Th and return Oct. 19Th.
We had a tight spot and have been waiting for monies to be freed up to finish our adoption. Today was the day we had to have our tickets paid for and we have been sick because well the monies aren't here yet. (will be freed next week and we are truly grateful for my parents helping us I don't have enough words to express my joy and gratitude to them)
But in someways it's easier to go to your parents and ask for help, today we needed help we didn't even ask and God he had Brothers and Sisters in Christ come to our sides and step in to enabled us to be able to travel and bring our beloved son home.
There are two other people that have helped us I won't name them here but they know who they are. Please know that I am in such awe right now, I can't truly express the sheer love we feel. I don't feel worthy and in accepting your help I know that it was God's hand helping us through you. Thank you from the very depth of my soul for being the obedient servants of our loving Father.
It is so much easier to give gifts to people then to truly receive them. I feel so humble (in a good way) in tears writing this because I feel so much right now.
May the blessing of God rain,on you (and Reign and with you)

New Date to China!!!

2007-09-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

Well we got a call yesterday as you can see I had changed our travel date to the 12Th of October and we were happy just to be traveling. A little worried about the trade fair but thrilled none the less. So this morning I got a call and they wanted us to leave a week earlier. I was not grasping that we would be getting Carlow earlier I thought we would have to stay in Guangzhou a week longer. I was trying so hard to grasp how that would be less expensive. Then it hit me we are traveling earlier Carlow is coming home a week sooner. God Is awesome and we will be a family October 5Th or 6Th probably.
So here is the announcement we leave for China (barring nothing else happening) October 3rd.

UPDATE:
Okay we got another call and the date now is the 5th of October.So there you go your as up to date as we are. God Bless you all for following us and hope that the time flies fast to bring Carlow HOME!

Final Approval!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did you hear me??? FINAL APPROVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-09-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

We are so very excited to announce that we have our Final Approval, and we travel Oct. 12, 2007. Words can't even express how happy and excited we are. Please lift us in prayer as we hit the last leg of our China pregnancy. I have been having all the normal symptoms, nervous tummy, short temper, crying for no real reason, and the biggie sudden bursts of nesting resulting in the house being changed over and over again. Oh and did I mention packing? And repacking , and packing again. LOL anyway now you have the latest Vincent news!
Hugs and God Bless you all!
Bekah

Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles everywhere

2007-09-05T16:33:00.000-07:00

Outside playing today just had to share my little bubble wonders, One picture of Cordie gives me a glimps of her when she is much older lets see if you can guess which one that is.
Hugs,
Bekah

Deja vu

2007-09-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

Okay,
So this week I have been overcoming (in layman's terms recovering from a virus) And I have this creepy feeling of time repeating it's self. Only thank GOD the passports are safe this time! I can't find my wallet and last yr just before we traveled my purse was stolen. Well it's not my whole purse just the really cute red wallet my mother gave me for this trip!
So this feels really weird how/why does this happen just before we travel? What is my guardian angel laughing? I'm kidding, my angel would have a lot more then that to laugh at with me for a charge!
And onto a topic I don't feel like screaming about LOL. Tonight the girls and I cut up a magazine, I was using it for an exercise so the girls will get used to using scissors. But it turned out to have two really great lessons. I kept trying to think about what kind of collage the girls could make and just as we were finishing the last of the pics the girls chose the people in the book, I was hit by an inspiration. Yes it was probably that guardian angel again. The topic was creating families! What a neat thing the girls were able to mesh all differant kinds of people on their collages and tomorrow we will talk about how not all families are the same and some grow in their mommies tummys and some grow in their mommies' hearts. And how God has a plan for each of us and nothing happens by chance, that while they have a China mommy and they grew in her God knew that they were our children. Nothing God does is by accident. I will try and post pics of their art later! Well Night everyone God Bless you all.

Just sitting here thought I would chat

2007-09-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

Well we are getting closer to traveling back to China, and I have been going over the lists of things to pack. Okay so I have been worried about weight limit and how many bags to take because it's just going to be Brad and I. Yes and the kiddos too but I really don't think they will be much help with the bags just yet.
I am excited and scared, Katie just bonded so quick and Cordie well she wanted nothing to do with this Mama at first she warmed up to me but it took a while.
If there is anyone new out there reading this, please don't worry bonding happens just at different times with different children. Cordie is so very close to me now, she wakes and checks on me at night and covers me up. I have caught her kissing me and then going back to her own bed. Anyone who knows us knows that this is a HUGE turn around from the scared little girl who would not sleep, then after you get her to sleep she would wake with night terrors. This happened 2 or 3 times a night when she first came home. When she learned more English she would scream MOMMY DON"T LEAVE ME, MOMMY WHERE ARE YOU! It tore my heart out I would always run in and hold her rocking her and reassuring her that we were her forever mama and baba. I thought I would never get to sleep ever again, it came down to when she woke up just holding her in bed with us. I swore that I wouldn't do that I felt it would spoil her and we would never get her in her own bed. Well after a few weeks of no sleep I caved but now I know she needed the hugs and the cuddle time to build that bond with us. Now she is a big girl she likes her bed and wants to sleep in it. Some mornings we wake up with her snuggled in with us and we never even heard her slip in. She thinks that is so funny. Our house is an older home and the lay out in our bed room is a little strange, there is a room attached to what is the master bed room. It could be a nursery, sitting room, sewing room, dressing room, or even a bed room which is what we used it for. But I am nesting and moved the rooms around. Our house has no central air so we depend on window units to cool everything in the summer and I had moved the kids into the master bed room and our bed was in the small sunroom. Well that was fine for a while until the girls started waking up and not telling me. The only door in and out is in the bigger part of the room so we switched the rooms Brad and I have the larger one and the kids have the little one. We have decorated it with Dora, Tinkerbell, Thomas the tank engine, and Diego. The girls love it! all three beds fit beautifully with plenty of room for laundry baskets and room to walk around. But the biggest benefit was Cordie became much more secure with this arrangement for the first time she started sleeping all night long. She as mentioned checks on us and goes back to her bed. This let me know that my little Cordie is finally feeling safe. We have pushed their toddler beds together so Katie and Cordie sleep together and they have slept like that for over a year now. That let me know how close they are becoming when they asked if they could sleep together. They want everything to be even and you would assume that meant that if you gave something to Katie that Cordie would be right there saying where is mine, but no it's Katie asking where is Cordie's. Cordie will do the same thing for Katie and they both say it's only fair. If there isn't any more they will break it and share with each other. Yes they do fight they after all are sisters, and the worst thing Katie can do to Cordie is say I not hoppy with you(no this is not a typo that is a Katieism), I not talking to you! To which Cordie comes in crying Mama Katie isn't talking to me (you have to draw that out in a long whine) Our talk starts with and what did you do?....silence.....What did you do to her? ....most of the time it was she wanted Katie to play something her way, but I have to share that Katie is an antagonist. So if this is the case then when I ask What is going on? Katie is antagonising me again! Cordie what are you supposed to do when she antagonises you? Ignore her. So then I hear this you can't talk to me I'm ignoring you! LOL Yes and it never ends I know Carlow is going to fit right in here the girls are waiting to Mother him and boss him around! Well I'm heading to bed it's late and maybe I can sleep now. God Bless you all, Oh I wanted to shout a few praises before I go our friend Rachel just got their daughter Josie home and we are very grateful to God for that blessing (among others that have been bestowed on their family check out their blog) The great news is that she can such her bottle! Thank you God your an Awesome God! AND our Friends Tracye and Joe's daughter Lexie had surgery a few weeks ago and we are praising God that she is doing fine! Along with awesome news about her hearing Thank you Father for our children and the protection that you have put around them. Tracye's blog is also on the links section please check them out.

My Flower Girls

2007-08-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

These were taken the summer of 2006 I love my sweet girls they are growing up to fast! Please enjoy these as much as I do. Hugs, Bekah

New Pictures!!!!

2007-08-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I just wanted to share the newest picture we got it today. I can't get over how handsome he is and I can't wait to kiss his little toes and fingers!

LOA arrived today!

2007-08-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Words can't describe how excited we are that our LOA came today. We should travel the end of Sept to bring Carlow home! Our wait time from our Log in Date was 159 to LOA. We still have to wait for our Travel Arrangements and then ultimately traveling to China to bring our little guy HOME HOME HOME wow doesn't that sound good?

Little about us and our children

2007-08-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

Okay so since I can't sleep and have so much time on my hands you will all get a brief family history. LOL just what you wanted you say?...... Good

Well Brad and I have been best friends since 1980 (he was 10 and I was 12) for those slow at math that's 27 yrs. And for those still doing math I'm 39 and he is 37, LOL.
We were married January 1990, (Mom if your reading this I know that you want to say something go ahead). So far our marriage has survived being newly weds, the Army (7 yrs),living overseas during that time,working with family (love you all I promise!)unemployment, bankruptcy and reestablishing ourselves.

And then there is the biggie INFERTILITY.

While he was in the army it was so hard dealing with everyone around me getting pregnant and having children wanted or not. Crying out to God , WHY. Well I have that answer but at the time going through it I couldn't see an answer just the pain of empty arms, just the sorrow of not hearing a sweet voice calling Mommy. Many of you reading this know this pain, even if infertility didn't bring you to adoption, being a childless mother did.
In 2003 my Grandfather passed away and we moved back home to be near our families, we also discussed international adoptions. We talked to our pastor David Jackson who recommended FTIA . With this recommendation for an agency the country we wanted was hands down China. My heart has been there for a very long time. December 2003 as we were driving to Christmas with Tappaw and Nanny (Brad's parents) we made the decision to submit our application and find out if this could be something real or just the pipe dream of having a family.
Well we submitted our dossier and it was logged in May 26, 04. We were referred a beautiful little girl Nov. 8Th that same year.Gan Bo Rou was 13 months old. She was from the JiangXi Province. (Katie's referral pics are at the bottom of the page). I can't tell you how over joyed we were to get that call at 10:38 AM it was a Monday and Brad was working and had no cell service I drove like a crazy woman telling everyone I met that we were the very proud parents to a beautiful baby girl in China. We traveled Jan to get our Katherine Gan Bo Rou. It was with great joy and sorrow we left China as I felt we had a daughter still there(we had requested twins. We arrived home with a bundle of smiles, Katie.
Jump ahead 6 months and a wonderful friend calls me and said you have to see this little girl! So I contacted FTIA and low and behold there was my daughter! We had to wait while another family viewed her paper work. On Aug. 5 2005 we got the call that she was ours if we still wanted her! Still wanted her were they crazy? I had only wanted her for almost 16 yrs! Cordelia Lu Meng Jia was from the Anhui Province in China and her pics and paper work had been submitted for international adoption while we were in China getting our Katie. God is so amazing.
Cordie has albinism that was her special need, the need wasn't so special to us but she sure is. We rushed to get our papers together and were logged in Nov 31, 2005. We traveled to bring Cordie home March 2006.
Now we are once again waiting and praying for a special little soul in China who is our son. His name (as if you can't guess) is Carlow Guan Qi Zhi. Our dossier was logged in March 13, 2007 (Cordie's Gotcha Day) We had no idea that while we were again in China adopting Cordie, Carlow's paper work was processed for international adoption. Again God is Awesome!
Carlow's special need is syndactyly (mittening of his hands and feet). We are not daunted by this "SN" and feel he can do anytihng he sets his mind to do and we plan to challenge him, probably not as much as he plans to challenge us LOL.

He is so loved and we haven't held him in our arms just in our hearts.
He is part of every day and we have never dried his tears, just with our prayers.
He is part of our convesations every day, yet he has only heard our voices in his dreams.
He is our Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin, yet he has no idea who we are ...Yet. Soon Carlow you will know the love of this family and all it's members who have waited so long for your arrival.

Greeting and Welcome to Day 157

2007-08-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

Yes I am counting and I know that God has a plan but I feel so far from our little boy. Please continue to lift us up in prayer. Our agency feels a safe guess might be November for our travel. ON the up side the weather will be nice. On the down side LOL it's just been a long wait. AS long as he gets home I will be a happy Mama.

Waiting pains

2007-08-14T22:54:00.000-07:00

Waiting pains Yes that is right you heard me that is exactly what I am feeling right now waiting pains. They hit at anytime for me they are worse at bed time. (that is why you have me here posting with you Now)
I know that every mother has labor pains and that is what waiting pains are for adoptive mothers. Yes our hormones run just as rampant and yes our moods swing just as frantic.
Do we have it easy...Some might think so I don't, my family who has to live with me right now, they sure don't. I have heard some silly things from people like this should be the easiest thing in the world I should have no pains with this whatsoever. Let me tell you that I think that whether you are paper pregnant or pregnant you travail and wonderful things await us at the end of our labor.
Okay so I am sleep deprived and weepy does it show?
Hugs,
Bekah
Waiting Waiting Waiting Waiting
well you get the idea

Welcome to Day 149

2007-08-09T23:28:00.000-07:00

Well I don't know where to start so how about introductions.... I am the very proud mommy to Katherine Gan Bo Rou adopted from China Jan. 2005. And Cordelia Lu Meng Jia adopted from China March 2006. Well the cute little boy is our son we are waiting for. His name is Carlow Guan Qi Zhi also from China. We have been waiting for our LOA for 149 days, Yes I am about to scream!But I also understand and know that our turn will come and it's all in God's timing.